Category: August 2011

WASHINGTON – On Monday August 15th, the President will travel to Minnesota to begin his three-day economic bus tour in the Midwest.  The arrival of Air Force One at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is open to pre-credentialed members of the media, but closed to the public.  After arriving in Minnesota, the President will host a…

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you so much.  (Applause.)  Everyone, please have a seat, have a seat. Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the White House.  Tonight is part of a rich tradition here at the White House of celebrating the holy days of many faiths and the diversity that define us as a nation. …

President Obama spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu today to consult on regional issues and efforts to achieve Middle East peace. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for U.S. support for Israel’s security, in particular the Iron Dome short-range rocket and mortar defense system. The two leaders agreed to continue to work closely together to address…

The President and Chairman Bernanke met today in the Oval Office to discuss the economy and global recovery.  They were joined by Secretary Geithner, Chief of Staff Daley and NEC Director Sperling.  The President and the Chairman discussed the outlook for the recovery and for jobs as well as fiscal issues, including the need to…

This evening, the President will continue a White House tradition of hosting an Iftar celebrating Ramadan in the State Dining Room. This is the third Iftar hosted by the President. The Iftar is the meal that breaks the day of fasting, when Muslim families and communities eat together after sunset. Below is a list of…

WASHINGTON – Today, President Obama will meet with industry officials to discuss the first of their kind fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas pollution standards for work trucks, buses, and other heavy duty vehicles and to thank them for their leadership in finalizing a successful national program for these vehicles.  This meeting marks the Administration’s announcement…

WASHINGTON – Today, the White House announced Ron Bloom will be stepping down from his position as the Assistant to the President for Manufacturing Policy at the end of August. “For the past two and a half years, Ron Bloom’s leadership and expertise has helped us put America’s automakers back on the road to recovery,…

On August 15-17, President Obama will travel to the Midwest on a three-day economic bus tour, making stops in southern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa and western Illinois.  The President will discuss ways to grow the economy, strengthen the middle class and accelerate hiring in communities and towns across the nation and hear directly from Americans, including…

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you.  All right, everybody have a seat here.  Thank you so much.  It is wonderful to be here.  And I was doing a quick taping outside, and it sounded like — I don’t know if it was Matthew or Barzun who were warming you up pretty good.  (Laughter.)  But…

THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everybody.  On Friday, we learned that the United States received a downgrade by one of the credit rating agencies — not so much because they doubt our ability to pay our debt if we make good decisions, but because after witnessing a month of wrangling over raising the debt ceiling, they…